Isiah Thomas Aiming to Improve Draft Chances?

There was a familiar chant at the Garden Sunday night and an all-too familiar result. The only new wrinkle is that Isiah Thomas, without saying it, is playing for the NBA draft lottery.

Thomas showed a willingness to go young during Atlanta’s 109-98 victory. Jamal Crawford, who ranks second in the league by playing an average of 41.4 minutes per game, played just 29 minutes Sunday night and sat the final 5:34. Quentin Richardson and Malik Rose did not play, while Zach Randolph played 25 minutes but was on the bench to open the second half.